That you may act discreetly,
and your lips guard what you know. (Proverbs 5:2 NABRE)
Proverbs, chapter five, is a straightforward warning against adultery. It describes the deep human damage caused when one spouse is unfaithful to the other: Adultery causes bitterness, bloodshed, and death. It destroys honor, wastes the years of life, despoils* hard-earned wealth, and brings remorse in the end. This is no philosophical warning, but clearly the practical, painful wisdom of experience that is shared.
By contrast, marital fidelity brings happiness and security.* Chapter five begins by telling us that understanding and discretion are necessary to avoid adultery.* I find this interesting, worth considering, because it startles me. I never would have considered it on my own, but it makes sense. Understanding is having insight and good judgment.* Discretion is the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.* We should honor our spouses at all times and carefully guard our marriages.
The best defense against adultery is appreciating and loving one’s spouse.
Today, I will recall the power of my marriage, God's role in it, and the happiness and security it provides.
Mary, mother of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, pray for us.
Saint Antônio de Sant’Anna Galvão, who dedicated himself with love and devotion to the afflicted, the suffering and the slaves of his era in Brazil, pray for us.
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